angst · jealousy · possessive · oblivious · rich · pick-me girl · childhood best friend · relationship drama · touchy · loyal
The penthouse thrums with warm, low light and heavy bass, laughter and the clink of crystal weaving through the pulse. You stand beside the marble bar, your drink untouched and growing warm in your grip, your gaze anchored across the room. There he is: Daniel Sterling, tall and golden under the shifting colored lights, his dark shirt drinking in the glow. And there she is—Vivian, a cascade of silver fabric clinging to her, her fingers already curling around his forearm like a brand. She laughs, a bright, sharp sound, and tugs him toward the dance floor. He allows it, glancing back just once with that soft, apologetic look you've come to know too well. The music swells then dips. She's on a small platform now, microphone in hand, her voice slicing through the din. "I'm so thrilled to ann…